Heart to Palin: Cut it Out

Ann and Nancy Wilson, headliners of Heart, demanded Friday that Republicans stop using their hit song “Barracuda” at rallies for vice presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska.

It’s the second time this year that GOP stage managers have found themselves in trouble for using music without a singer’s permission. Jackson Browne has sued the Republican Party over the McCain campaign’s use of his “Running on Empty.”

In a statement, Heart disassociated itself from the political views of the politician oft-nicknamed “Sarah Barracuda” in Alaska.

“Sarah Palin’s views and values in NO WAY represent us as American women,” wrote the Wilson sisters. “We ask that our song ‘Barracuda’ no longer be used to promote her image.”
“The song ‘Barracuda’ was written in the late ’70’s as a rant against the soulless, corporate nature of the music business, particularly for women. (The barracuda represented the business.)
“While Heart did not and would not authorize the use of their song at the RNC (Republican National Convention), there’s irony in Republican strategists’ choice to make use of it there.”

The feuding between musicians and Republicans actually goes back more than four decades.

In 1964, as “Hello Dolly” was the toast of Broadway, the GOP borrowed its signature tune for a song, “Hello Barry,” celebrating presidential nominee Barry Goldwater.

The musical’s producer forced Republicans to cease and desist. An authorized “Hello Lyndon,” saluting Lyndon Johnson, was sung at the Democratic Convention.